Pick-up location
Pick-up date
Drop-off Date
4.67/5
Based on 1,300+ reviews
Excellent
Trustpilot
Cuenca
Mini
Fiat 500 or similar
4
1
3
A/C
Auto
€ 24
per day
Cuenca
Economy
Toyota Yaris or similar
5
2
5
A/C
Auto
€ 29
per day
Cuenca
Compact
Volkswagen Golf or similar
5
3
5
A/C
Auto
€ 33
per day
Cuenca
Intermediate
Skoda Octavia or similar
5
4
5
A/C
Auto
€ 39
per day
The average cost of car hire is €34 per day, with 1,878 vehicles available and an average hire duration of 6 days.
Cuenca is a charming city nestled in the Ecuadorian Andes, renowned for its colonial architecture, vibrant culture, and stunning natural landscapes. While public transport is available, hiring a car provides unparalleled freedom and flexibility to explore the city and its surroundings at your own pace.
Explore the Historic Centre: A rental car allows you to easily navigate the narrow cobblestone streets and reach iconic landmarks such as the Cuenca Cathedral, Plaza de Armas, and Pumapungo Archaeological Park.
Discover Nearby Attractions: Venture beyond the city limits to discover natural wonders like Cajas National Park, a haven for hiking and wildlife observation. With a car, you can also visit quaint villages and thermal springs in the surrounding area.
Enjoy Scenic Drives: Take a leisurely drive along the picturesque mountain roads, soaking in breathtaking views of the Andes Mountains. A car allows you to stop at viewpoints and capture unforgettable memories.
Before booking a hire car in Cuenca, Ecuador, ensure you understand the rental terms and conditions to avoid any surprises. Here are some key aspects to consider.
Area
Approximately 70 square kilometres
Population
Around 600,000 residents
Time Zone
Ecuador Time (ECT), UTC-5
Ideal for
Exploring city and surrounding areas
Rush Hours
Expect heavy traffic 7 AM – 9 AM and 5 PM – 7 PM
Rating
4.5/5
1. Age RequirementsMost car hire companies in Cuenca require drivers to be at least 21 years old. Some companies may have additional restrictions or fees for drivers under 25.
2. Driver’s Licence & DocumentationA valid driver’s licence from your country of residence is required. An International Driving Permit (IDP) is recommended for non-Spanish speakers.
3. Insurance & DepositsBasic insurance is usually included in the rental price, but additional coverage options are available. A security deposit is required and typically held on a credit card.
4. Mileage & Fuel PolicyMileage policies vary. Unlimited mileage is often available, but some rentals may have restrictions. Fuel policies also vary, so be sure to clarify the requirements before you drive off.
5. Additional FeesExtra charges may apply for additional drivers, one-way rentals, late returns, or optional add-ons like GPS and child seats.
Estimated Daily Prices
Business:
from £30 / $38 / €35
Electric:
from £20 / $25 / €23
Classic:
from £15 / $19 / €17
Executive:
from £35 / $44 / €40
7 Seater:
from £40 / $50 / €46
Automatic:
from £25 / $31 / €29
SUV:
from £22 / $28 / €26
Peak season (June to August): Demand is higher, with prices increasing by 20-30%
Low season (November to February): Often come with discounts
Additional costs may apply for insurance, extra drivers, and one-way rentals. Booking early and comparing offers can help secure the best deal.
Booking a car in Cuenca is straightforward. Follow these steps for a hassle-free experience.
1. Compare Prices - Use a car hire comparison site like rentycars.com to find the best deals based on your travel dates and vehicle preferences.
2. Choose the Right Car - Select a vehicle that suits your needs, whether it’s an economy car for city driving or an SUV for exploring the mountains.
3. Check Rental Terms - Review mileage limits, insurance coverage, and deposit requirements to avoid surprises.
4. Book in Advance - Secure lower prices and better vehicle availability by booking early, especially during peak seasons.
5. Pick Up Your Car - Bring your driver’s licence, credit card, and identification when collecting your rental.
Cuenca, Ecuador, is a city known for its rich history, stunning architecture, and vibrant culture.
Nestled in the Andes Mountains, Cuenca offers a unique blend of colonial charm and natural beauty. While exploring the city by car can be convenient, it's important to be aware of local traffic conditions, parking regulations, and fuel availability.
Top Attractions to Discover
Cuenca Cathedral
An iconic architectural masterpiece in the heart of the city.
Pumapungo Archaeological Park
Explore the ruins of an ancient Inca city.
Cajas National Park
Discover stunning landscapes, hiking trails, and diverse wildlife.
Where to Find Parking
Public Parking Garages
Convenient and secure parking options are available throughout the city.
On-Street Parking
Metered parking is available but can be limited, especially in central areas.
Park & Ride
Consider parking outside the city centre and using public transport.
Gas Stations in Cuenca
Availability
Gas stations are readily available throughout the city and on major roads.
Major Brands
Look for Petroecuador, Terpel, and Primax.
Payment Options
Most gas stations accept cash and credit cards.
Useful Tips for Visiting Cuenca
Traffic Conditions
Be prepared for traffic congestion during peak hours.
Altitude
Cuenca is located at a high altitude, so take it easy and stay hydrated.
Spanish Language
Knowing some basic Spanish phrases will be helpful.
Safety
Be aware of your surroundings and take precautions against petty theft.
Major Bus Stations
Terminal Terrestre de Cuenca
The main bus terminal serving destinations throughout Ecuador.
Airports
Mariscal Lamar International Airport (CUE)
Located within the city, offering flights to domestic destinations.
Hiring a car in Cuenca is a straightforward process, but you’ll need to meet a few key requirements before hitting the road. Here’s what you’ll need.
If you're from Ecuador, your standard licence is sufficient. Visitors from most countries can use their home-country licence for a limited time, but an International Driving Permit (IDP) is recommended.
Most car hire companies require drivers to be at least 21 years old.
A valid card in the main driver’s name is required for the security deposit. Some rental companies only accept credit cards for deposits.
A passport or another form of identification may be required for international renters.
This content was written, fact-checked, and/or translated by our expert team of content creators.
Every piece of information on this page has gone through our Content Quality Assurance (CQA) process — a multi-step review that includes human editing, localisation accuracy checks, and expert travel validation.
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This page was edited, fact-checked, and/or translated by our experts who are passionate about helping travellers experience the world by car. Our team of seasoned travel writers and editors has driven across more than 50 countries, hired cars on six continents, and explored countless scenic routes — from Icelandic fjords to Moroccan deserts.
Our clients rate such place as Cuenca as
To ensure every review is from a real customer, we do not allow reviews to be posted directly on this page. Instead, we invite every customer to leave a review after they have returned their hire car. This way, you can be sure that all reviews are authentic.
Cuenca was breathtaking! Exploring the city and surrounding areas with our rental car was incredibly convenient and fun.
Sarah Jones
Reviewed: 21.01.2025
Cuenca was a fantastic stop on our road trip! Having a car made exploring so easy. Highly recommend.
Emily Brown
Reviewed: 25.12.2024
Pretty relaxed vibe.
Chloe Davis
Reviewed: 16.06.2025
Busy business trip, but Cuenca was surprisingly charming. Exploring with my rental car made everything efficient.
David Lee
Reviewed: 08.08.2025
Family vacation in Cuenca was amazing! Having a car made getting around so easy. Highly recommend!
Jessica Garcia
Reviewed: 18.06.2025
Okay, but kinda pricey.
Kevin Miller
Reviewed: 14.05.2025
Cuenca was a delightful surprise! Exploring independently was great, though the local bus system seemed a bit confusing.
Amelia Hernandez
Reviewed: 01.03.2025
Cuenca was magical! Getting around with a rental car made exploring so much easier. The only downside? That one cafe we tried had lukewarm coffee.
Olivia Rodriguez
Reviewed: 30.09.2024
Cuenca's charm surprised me! Getting around with a car made my quick business trip so efficient.
Ava Martinez
Reviewed: 05.10.2024
Meh, kinda dusty.
Ethan Wilson
Reviewed: 31.10.2024
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Pretty chill, eh?
Mike Smith
Reviewed: 24.09.2024